Briefings and responses

Councils are best placed to safeguard the future of high streets. As leaders of place, councils have shown innovation in repurposing their town centres and responding to longer-term trends in how our high streets are used.

This LGA response to the Government consultation considers the views of local authorities – councils and combined authorities – as place shapers and leaders, adult learning providers and commissioners.

The DfE sought views on how remaining National Skills Funding could be used to help more people benefit from the new publicly funded level 3 qualifications offer, skills bootcamps and how it can meet critical skills needs. This LGA response considers the view of local authorities – councils and combined authorities – as place shapers and leaders and adult learning providers.

The PCSC Bill covers a wide range of community safety issues and seeks to introduce measures which aim to have an impact on victims of crime, those who perpetrate crimes, and wider community safety.

Only a publicly financed substantial programme of council house building supported by government grants for construction will help the Government meet its target of 300,000 new homes. This means cooperation and partnership across the sector, including Government, councils, housing associations, landowners/developers, and the construction sector.

The anticipated Levelling-Up White Paper presents an opportunity to reset the relationship between central and local government and put councils at the heart of delivering the Government’s ambitious programme to improve opportunities in all parts of the country. 

The LGA broadly supports the Bill’s focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the population through greater integration between NHS organisations and between the NHS and local government. We also support the duty on the integrated care board (ICB) and all local authorities within the integrated care system (ICS) to have regard to the integrated care strategy in making decisions. 

The LGA supports the objective of the Local Government (Disqualification) Bill to ensure the highest standards of integrity and conduct in public life.

Councils are determined to prevent and stop domestic abuse in all its forms. They play a vital role protecting older people from abuse through a range of front-line services, and have a statutory responsibility for safeguarding vulnerable adults with care and support needs.

It is vital that new burdens funding is provided to councils to support the proactive work necessary to ensure compliance with the legislation. This will enable councils to ensure compliance through supporting freeholders to understand and comply with the new requirements, with financial penalties being used as a matter of last resort.